When children take part in a play, they come alive and they can learn so much from the experience. Today there are many short plays for the classroom available from online sources. They can easily be incorporated into the curriculum. Learning is made fun and each one is written to appeal to a specific age group. Pupils participate actively instead of just listening to the teacher and this encourages the development of all kinds of skills.
There are many different types of scripts available, from comedies and tragedies to musicals. Some are original and others are adaptations of well known stories. They vary in length and some are short enough to fit easily into a lesson. Children are always very responsive when it comes to comedy and some of the best scripts, especially for small children, are the funny ones.
These scripts work well without necessarily having to use costumes or stage props. These can be included if this can be arranged. The pupils do not have to memorize the lines but can simply read from the script, using appropriate facial expressions and hand gestures. Studies have shown that their reading skills often improve greatly as a result of a getting them to read scripts on a regular basis. Their language skills also improve as a result.
In the context of a play, children can also explore challenging issues they face in daily life. By using the play as a vehicle, the situation loses its personal, scary aspect. The children can then understand the issues better and translate this understanding into real life. Bullying, greed and honesty are just some themes relevant to children in primary school that may be explored in such scripts.
Pupils all have differing abilities and a play gives everyone an opportunity to find expression, especially those who find academic learning difficult. Drama also helps children who are withdrawn or shy an opportunity to come out of their shells. Everyone forgets their shyness or lack of confidence when participating in drama.
Learning to participate together in a group is another benefit of doing drama together. Each person has a part to play and everyone has to learn how to consider and encourage others. Children have to learn to have respect for the different roles played and each person has to be given room for self expression.
Another benefit is the way this can stimulate creative expression. They learn to express themselves clearly and confidently in front of other pupils. They learn how to adapt their gestures and facial expressions according to the words being spoken. They learn how to express sadness, happiness, fear, joy and all the range of emotions.
Participating in a play increases confidence, allows pupils to express themselves and gives them many life skills. The power of drama in learning cannot be underestimated. Inspire, entertain, teach and have fun with some good play scripts. Everyone benefits from including drama in learning.
There are many different types of scripts available, from comedies and tragedies to musicals. Some are original and others are adaptations of well known stories. They vary in length and some are short enough to fit easily into a lesson. Children are always very responsive when it comes to comedy and some of the best scripts, especially for small children, are the funny ones.
These scripts work well without necessarily having to use costumes or stage props. These can be included if this can be arranged. The pupils do not have to memorize the lines but can simply read from the script, using appropriate facial expressions and hand gestures. Studies have shown that their reading skills often improve greatly as a result of a getting them to read scripts on a regular basis. Their language skills also improve as a result.
In the context of a play, children can also explore challenging issues they face in daily life. By using the play as a vehicle, the situation loses its personal, scary aspect. The children can then understand the issues better and translate this understanding into real life. Bullying, greed and honesty are just some themes relevant to children in primary school that may be explored in such scripts.
Pupils all have differing abilities and a play gives everyone an opportunity to find expression, especially those who find academic learning difficult. Drama also helps children who are withdrawn or shy an opportunity to come out of their shells. Everyone forgets their shyness or lack of confidence when participating in drama.
Learning to participate together in a group is another benefit of doing drama together. Each person has a part to play and everyone has to learn how to consider and encourage others. Children have to learn to have respect for the different roles played and each person has to be given room for self expression.
Another benefit is the way this can stimulate creative expression. They learn to express themselves clearly and confidently in front of other pupils. They learn how to adapt their gestures and facial expressions according to the words being spoken. They learn how to express sadness, happiness, fear, joy and all the range of emotions.
Participating in a play increases confidence, allows pupils to express themselves and gives them many life skills. The power of drama in learning cannot be underestimated. Inspire, entertain, teach and have fun with some good play scripts. Everyone benefits from including drama in learning.
